This is the first in a series of profiles of Jackson School alumni who focused on cybersecurity and international studies during their degree.
Julia Yoon is an Associate Security Engineer at Check Point Software and is also pursuing a Master’s of Computer and Information Technology (MCIT) at the University of Pennsylvania. She graduated with a B.A. in International Studies and a minor in Informatics in 2018.
What were the most impactful educational experiences you had at the UW?
The most impactful educational experiences were the cybersecurity classes I took with Dr. Beyer and the cybersecurity research team I participated in (Jackson School Cybersecurity Policy Fellow). Before that, I had never heard of cybersecurity.
Are there any elements of your Jackson School education that you have carried with you after graduation? What are they and why?
The cybersecurity track offered in the Jackson School helped me define my current career path. I never thought of pursuing an engineering job until I took cybersecurity classes in the Jackson School. Learning about the policy side of cybersecurity taught me different perspectives on the cybersecurity world and this element helps me bring value to my current career.
Did the cybersecurity policy research experience give or hone any skills that you have used since graduation?
Although the project didn’t directly affect my skill sets I’m using at my work, it did open up my interest in the field I’m working right now. Learning about cybersecurity in general and how it functions helped me set my future goals after graduation.
Is there anything else you want us to know?
Jackson School serves a wide range of interests, from politics to culture and even technology. I feel very blessed to be a Jackson School alum and I encourage everyone to join the school.
